65 Comments
Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

During the summer, I worked for a few weeks at a motel in Lake George. Out of about 20 housekeepers, I was the only American working with them. The motel cannot find Americans who want to work, so they have to hire from other countries, such as Jamaica, Honduras, Guatemala, and even Mongolia. These kids will travel thousands of miles to work! If the orange idiot departs millions of immigrants, this country will implode, and the economy will suffer.

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Garland was a HUGE disappointment. We counted on him to bring corruption to light and he literally sat on his hands and dragged everything out. We fought to get him into that position and it was just a waste of energy.

So who do we count on when they all continue to protect each other and drag their feet?

When do we get really pissed ? What is the breaking point of our tolerance for corruption openly in our faces ?

How do we fight back?

The difficult part is only a short time away - who will fight these appointments of criminals and fools?

I do not believe that we recover as a nation anymore. This is like it must have been during Civil War times - when our differences pulled us apart so much that we went to war against each other.

And when the inevitable happens, and the MAGA crowd understands that nothing trump will do can actually help them ?.....that's when it will get worse.

No sympathy from me . It's not like we haven't warned them for years now.

trump is more prepared this time around and has once again appointed his freak show loyalists to appointments that they are the antithesis of.

I have no sympathy for anyone who voted for a felonious madman. I don't care if they crash and burn. It's disgustingly ignorant and I no longer will suffer these fools in our society.

I believe that many elected officials only care about their own career paths and those that support them with endorsements. I've given up the naivety that they work for us. Those few dedicated public servants left don't stand a chance.

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It might be some solace to live in a blue state where Democratic governors and legislators can push back on some of the nonsense.

Imagine being in a hurricane-prone state and thinking Trump is even going to have a FEMA department. And whatever he does have is under the control of Kristi Noem.

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I believe Project 2025 proposes getting rid of NOAA - the National Weather Service - because it is seen as frivolous spending. So if you are thinking of moving to Florida or parts south....

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

And heaven forbid there remains anything whatsoever to do with the changing climate! Remember - its a hoax. Biden's 30 x 30 is listed as something to dispose of, as pretty much any issue that has been put in place to help the planet, poor people and certainly, anyone who has been outspoken regarding tffg!

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

I agree with you and have the same thoughts towards those who voted for Trump. Laurence Tribe posted this morning on Bluesky about how pathetic the turnout (65%) by eligible voters was this past election. We all now are "governed" by a demagogue that came to power with the votes of about 33% of eligible voters.

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And I totally agree about the hard work immigrants do. Working in Lake George years ago with Ukrainians and Czechs made me understand how lazy Americans can be. The immigrants came to work on time, worked without bitching. Meanwhile their American counterparts showed up late, hungover and wanted to go home early constantly. Night and day.

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It’s incredible how many people voted for Donald Trump overlooking his extreme incompetence to solve any problem especially immigration. He was incapable of getting an infrastructure bill passed in his first term. His only talents are grifting and spreading chaos. He was able to twist the arms of Senate Republicans to get them to kill the Lankford bill addressing immigration.

In two years, hopefully, we can start fixing this mess starting with Congress. One day at a time until then.

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

I am with you, Kevin. My one concern is that new smart and principled people will not want to be part of such an ugly environment. I truly hope there are more Dan Goldmans (D-NYS 10) willing to work for the people in the future.

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Interesting. The apartment I held in NYC and now held by my daughter is in Goldman's district. He is unresponsive to email, phone calls, or any other form of contact. I miss the days when that apartment was districted to Nadler's representation.

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It's also disturbing that he has a largely immigrant district, but knows little about anything other than white privilege.

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

I believe he comes from a background of white privilege - like far too many of our elected officials - both parties. So much for "public service"?

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Not just white privilege. He is part of the Levi Strauss family. He grew up with incredible wealth.

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Yeah I knew there was some well-known "enterprise" in his family.

I do think he is on the ball in most things - but as for being aware of how we "commoners" live? Nope not so much - like too many of our representatives!

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

What an inspiring story! We were just talking about this at a dinner party last night. Do you think D.T. Would read this?

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

I think the question might be - not would read this - but could he read this? Doubtful. He has a true lack of any kind of intelligent curiosity - and THAT is an understatement.

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Nov 17·edited Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

Will, a beautiful piece on how immigrants contribute to life in Glens Falls.

I know it's a complicated issue, but it seems to me that many new arrivals embody the traditional values of hard work and striving for the proverbial "American Dream." it's too easy for some to unfairly and maliciously scapegoat some groups of people for our own failings.

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Bob what failings?

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

I have heard stories from Police Chiefs indicating migrants were very law abiding and caused very litle trouble. Friends who have hired immigrants for temporary work report outstanding results. It's mind boggling why Trump has his racist attitude towards them. Apparently he's never been a good business man.

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I believe national statistics show that native born Americans offend at a far higher rate than those year illegally.

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Ken, do you have a link to the source of the statistics you reference?

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

The description of "good" or "businessman" do NOT apply. Sitting behind a desk really does not make either one of those an accurate description of him.

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

Sarah Kendzior's substack was the second one I paid for, after the Front Page. Your story about immigrants in our area mimics most experiences across the Country. I wish more stories like this were told prior to the election and perhaps used in campaign ads. The majority of immigrants are hard working, honest and kind. We have much to learn from their optimism and persistence.

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

Often they are sending their best. Their best workers.

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Do they "send" them? Or do we see the people who work hard, don't give up, and get themselves across the border through sheer grit.

Honestly, I'm not 100% sure I have the grit and courage to walk the 30 miles it takes to get from my house to the Canadian border, pass through the woods in the dark of night to avoid detection, and then fend for myself as a homeless person until I connect with a relief agency. I'm not superwoman.

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

It obviously takes more guts and determination than most native born workers seem to have anymore.

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Paula, is there any difference between Immigrants who enter the country legally and those who cross the border without permission? If some are allowed to cross the border without permission, are you not then penalizing those who wish to enter the country legally?

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Those who cross the border and petition for asylum are following a legal process that is outlined in our laws. The challenge is that we don't have enough border agents or border judges to have them declare

Asylum.

So they wander through the woods and through the towns.

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Then why don't they cross the border at a point of entry

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Misinformation and disinformation. And fear.

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The Legal Process of Seeking Asylum in the United States

Step 1: Arrival at a U.S. Port of Entry

Immigrants seeking asylum at a port of entry in the U.S. must express their intention to apply for asylum to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. This can be done at any legal entry point, including airports, seaports, or land borders.

Step 2: Credible Fear Interview

Upon expressing the desire to seek asylum, the individual undergoes a credible fear interview conducted by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asylum officer. The purpose of this interview is to determine if there is a significant possibility that the individual could establish eligibility for asylum.

Step 3: Filing the Asylum Application

If the credible fear interview is successful, the next step is to file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, with USCIS. This must be done within one year of arrival in the United States unless there are extraordinary circumstances.

Step 4: The Affirmative Asylum Process

Initial Review: The application is first reviewed by USCIS.

Interview Notice: The asylum seeker will receive a notice to attend an interview at a local asylum office.

Asylum Interview: During the interview, an asylum officer will ask detailed questions about the applicant's experiences and reasons for seeking asylum.

Decision: After the interview, USCIS will issue a decision. If asylum is granted, the applicant becomes an asylee and can eventually apply for lawful permanent residence and citizenship.

For more information, see the affirmative asylum process.

Step 5: Defensive Asylum Process

If an individual is already in removal proceedings, they must apply for asylum defensively:

Removal Proceedings: This occurs if an individual is caught entering the U.S. without proper documentation or has overstayed their visa.

Immigration Court: The application is filed with an immigration judge who will hear the case.

Legal Representation: It is crucial for asylum seekers to have legal representation during this process to provide the best chance for asylum being approved.

Hearing and Decision: The judge will hear the case and make a decision. If asylum is granted, the applicant receives the same protections and benefits as in the affirmative process.

Step 6: Post-Decision Options

Appeals: If asylum is denied, the individual can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and, if necessary, to the federal courts.

Asylee Status: If granted asylum, individuals can apply for lawful permanent resident status (a green card) one year after being granted asylum. Eventually, they can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Asylum applications in the United States have seen significant increases over the years. According to the USCIS, there were over 1 million affirmative asylum applications backlogged in fiscal year 2023. The United States grants asylum to thousands of individuals each year, reflecting its commitment to protecting those fleeing persecution.

Seeking asylum in the United States is a critical right and a complex process. By understanding the steps involved and the importance of legal representation, individuals can better navigate the system.

For those who are seeking asylum in the U.S., it is essential to be aware of the laws, processes, and necessary steps to ensure a successful application. Immigrants seeking asylum must remain informed and prepared, as the journey to safety and security requires persistence and knowledge. From: https://connect.icmc.net/legal-process-of-seeking-asylum/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi_G5BhDXARIsAN5SX7pWOCRfcZNbsTpOsRYT7e0_OgiQ2ek0b4wkpGRLIL9Mxp-x_msJczYaAvgREALw_wcB

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Just what I needed.Got more ?

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Nov 17·edited Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

Thanks, Will, for your wonderful piece on the immigrants among us. Glens Falls Lawn Care also seems to share the same experience. Their Latino employees are hard workers, friendly, and pleasant.

We need to stop the stereotyping, and accept persons for who they are—regardless of race, color, nationality, sex,, religion, or ethnicity.

The vast majority of immigrants come to this country seeking a better life, just as most of our forbearers did. Many are refugees escaping political persecution.

Is not the U.S.A. still the “the land of the free and the home of the brave”? Let’s make and keep it that way!

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

Immigration is so hard! It takes a long time to process. I think they are vulnerable to all kinds of problems when we make them wait in Mexico. We can certainly do better. If they are here 5 years, let them stay.

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

I hope that employers who have found immigrants to be valued employees are proactive. They need to know what to do if ICE agents or the National Guard show up at their place of work to detain any employees who are legally in the US. I am fairly sure the mass deportations are going to get out of hand.

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

Thank you for writing this piece Will. I’d love to hear more stories about the immigrants within our communities, whether documented or undocumented. The jobs they are doing, the money they are paying federally, state and locally, and the impact it will have on our communities if they leave. I’d like to know more about why they left their homeland, the journey to get here and the hopes and dreams they have for their future. I think we have more in common than some people think as we all have an immigration story to tell.

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Excellent! Yes! More stories like this!

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

Sooo well said Will. I lived in California for 50 years before returning home in 2016. I remodeled my how and it was ALL Mexican day workers who did the work for me...No way Was I going to get a contractor to do my small "jobs".

I still don't understand the Hispanic voters who voted for tRump when he told them all he is going to deport them. Hopefully we have laws in New York that will protect our immigrants I lived in Fresno California for 3 years in the late 60's and knew several farmers, and their stance was they'd be out of business if it wasn't for the Hispanic seasonal workers. Many of the farmers have homes on their properties just for the workers and they come back every year. I'm so sick of this MAGA stuff

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Can you document specific sources that indicate the Trump Admin is looking to disrupt LEGAL immigration??

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

Easily done, because it’s true. See my reply to you below.

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It’s so nice that Trump has had a come to Jesus moment on undocumented workers. 😉 This is just one of many examples.

There were also undocumented Polish workers he hired for a demolition project and then stiffed on wages because when they’re here illegally you can do that.

https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2019/05/17/donald-trump-undocumented-immigrant-employees-kaye-dnt-ac360-vpx.cnn

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Nice article on local immigrants!!

But why taint it with “ Perhaps now that it’s threatened, we can appreciate its value and defend it”

Legal immigration is not being threatened. However, the Biden Admin choice to not enforce legal immigration laws IS going to be ended.

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Nov 17·edited Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

You’re right that Will’s piece on local immigrants is nice. But you’re wrong that legal immigration is not being threatened. This, from that well-known progressive newspaper, The Wall Street Journal:

"On the campaign trail, Donald Trump routinely promises he will end illegal immigration. Behind the scenes, his closest advisers and allies are also drawing up plans that would restrict many forms of legal immigration, some of which could affect the ability of businesses to hire foreign workers. Outside advisers including Stephen Miller, the architect of Trump’s immigration agenda when he was in the White House, and such groups as the America First Policy Institute have been preparing executive orders, regulations and memos for a future homeland security secretary to sign that would narrow legal ways to migrate. That is according to interviews with a dozen former Trump administration officials, a review of public plans published by the campaign, and outside groups aligned with the campaign." (WSJ, 10/31/2024)

Let me draw your attention to the phrase "some of which could affect the ability of businesses to hire foreign workers."

Trump’s plans, as well as his supporters plans, will likely negatively affect our local economy, where we depend on immigrants for the many jobs that locals don’t want to fill.

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I see. Thank you !

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If they’re from Norway, they’re okay. Something about Norwegians is all white, er right, with Trump. For some reason (The Nordic country, one of the richest in the world by GDP per capita, was last year named the happiest nation on the planet and is known for a cradle-to-grave welfare state) they don’t want to come here and live under his incompetent, budding dictatorship.

https://www.reuters.com/article/world/thanks-but-no-thanks-norwegians-reject-trumps-immigration-offer-idUSKBN1F11QK/

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Kevin the cradle-to-grave welfare state is funded in part by large reserves of oil and natural gas. Your link, however, does not state how large of a part it plays.

Sounds like a bit of a problem if one believes in climate change.

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In that light, with Elon Musk, a naturalized citizen, under investigation for contacting Putin, as well as for campaign finance violations, will he come under scrutiny from ICE and potentially face immigration violations?

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Nov 17Liked by Ken Tingley

That would be poetic Justice for Elon to be deported back to his birthplace of South Africa and banned from re-entry to the U.S.! Though he still has Canadian citizenship, I can’t imagine Trudeau offering him sanctuary.

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